Frequently Asked Questions: Financial Aid

FAQ Pod

Please be sure to provide your Name and Sac State ID# when contacting the Financial Aid Office.

Financial Aid & Scholarships Dates and Deadlines

This link provides a list of financial aid dates and deadlines for Sac State. These dates apply to various financial aid processes. To ensure your financial aid file is reviewed in a timely manner, it is important that you submit the required documents by the deadline.

Applying for Aid

Q: How do I apply for financial aid?

The first step in the process of applying for aid is to complete the Financial Aid Application for the applicable academic year. Be sure that you are completing the application for the semesters in which you are applying for aid. A new Financial Aid Application is required for each academic year you apply for aid.

The Financial Aid Application becomes available each year on October 1. Students are encouraged to submit their applications by the March 2 priority deadline for the upcoming academic year. Be sure to include our school code (001150) so we can receive your application.

  • The 2025-2026 application will include fall 2025, spring 2026, and summer 2026.
  • The 2026-2027 application will include fall 2026, spring 2027, and summer 2027.

Select the Financial Aid Application that is right for you:

Q: What is your school code?

001150

Q: What types of financial aid awards are available?

There are grants, loans, and scholarships available. 

  • Grants are funds that do not require repayment and are from federal and state funds.
  • Loans are borrowed monies that require repayment.
  • Scholarships are similar to grants but are awarded by a third party.

Documentation Submission

There are three options for submitting financial aid documents! It’s important to include your name and student ID number on all physical forms. Use a coversheet when provided and sign all areas that require a pen-to-paper signature. Never email your documents due to sensitive data.

Q: How do I submit financial aid documents?

1. ONLINE: Upload documents securely using your My Sac State account (RECOMMENDED). You can find the link to upload documents under the Financial Aid Links section.

Note: Compatible with Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Microsoft Edge web browsers. This is the best and fastest option for the office to receive your documents.

2. IN-PERSON: Use the document dropbox located outside the Student Service Center, Lassen Hall 1000, near the main entrance.

3. POSTAL MAIL:
Attention: Financial Aid and Scholarships
6000 J Street
Sacramento, CA 95819-6044

Q: I have submitted my forms and it’s still on my To-Do list. What should I do?

Allow two (2) business days for the status of your document to change from “Initiated” to “Received” in your Student Center > To-Do List. Documents will remain on your To-Do List in “Received” status as it is pending review by the office.

Note: Incomplete documents (i.e., illegibility, missing information or signatures) will remain in “Initiated” status and will require a resubmission.

Check the document status on your To-Do list by selecting the “more” link.

ToDo List Statuses:

  • Initiated: Item(s) require action by the student
  • Received: Item(s) received by the office and pending review.
Q: How long does it take to process my documents? 

Allow four to six weeks for processing upon receipt of ALL requested documents by the Financial Aid office. Processing timelines may increase as the semester approaches. All financial aid forms can be found on the Financial Aid Office website.

Note: Documents will remain on your To-Do list in Received status until reviewed and processed. Processed documents will no longer be listed on your To-Do List.

Q: I am having issues with the CCE information request form. How do I submit it?

If you encounter issues submitting the form from your To-Do list, please try using a browser other than Internet Explorer, such as Firefox or Chrome.

To add classes to the form for the Fall and Spring semesters you will need to be sure to fill in all five sections marked with an asterisk on the form: 

  • Semester – click in the box to access the drop-down box to select the semester
  • Course ID
  • Number of units
  • Start Date
  • End Date

Once all five sections are completed, you will be able to click the add button to add each class for the fall and spring semesters. If you are unsure of your classes, please contact your program coordinator at CCE for assistance. If you are not enrolling in a program through CCE, please contact the Admissions Office to verify the program you listed when applying to Sacramento State.

There is a separate application required for summer that will be available to complete in your Student Center in mid-April.

Financial Aid Verification

The U.S. Department of Education picks some students at random, and if you’re chosen, you will be asked to prove the info on your application is correct. You may need to submit extra documents, but don’t worry – it’s normal and doesn’t mean you did anything wrong. It’s just to make sure everything’s accurate. Sometimes, you may get selected by the school or students can self-initiate this verification process. The end goal is to make sure you get the correct and maximum amount of aid.

New Verification Documents Platform for 2025-26 Aid Year

Starting with the 2025-26 aid year, students and parents will need to upload and electronically sign verification documents through the new verification documents platform. To access the platform, both students and parents must create an account.

Students applying for financial aid for the 2025-26 aid year can securely complete their verification forms through this platform. If action is required, specific instructions will be provided in the Student Center under the To-Do List.

Note: Financial aid documents that are not part of the new verification platform should be uploaded using the OnBase Upload tool. Please refer to the description in the To-Do list for further instructions.

Important: Please DO NOT email documents as they will NOT be accepted due to privacy concerns.

Q: Why is the Financial Aid office asking for information on my financial aid application?

If your financial aid application is selected for Verification — a process that requires the Financial Aid Office to confirm the information you reported — you will see a request on your To-Do List for additional documentation.

Please check your Student Center > To-Do List regularly for any required documents that must be submitted.

Q: How do I know if I need to submit documents?

You may be notified via three methods as outlined below:

  • To-Do List: Students will have the “Verification Documents” on their MySacState > Student Center.
  • Email Message: Students will receive messages to the email address they note in the Verification Document platform when they set up their account.
  • Via text Message: Students will have the opportunity to sign up for text notifications upon providing their cell phone information when creating their account.

Watch our Resource Videos for further assistance.

Q: How to e-Sign my forms?

Student E-Signature

We highly recommend that students electronically sign their financial aid forms. After creating an account, students will be prompted to set up a PIN, which will serve as their electronic signature.

Parent E-Signature

If a parent’s signature is required, the student will be redirected to their main task page after signing their form. To invite a parent to e-sign:

  • Click the “Request” button.
  • A pop-up will appear showing the parent(s) listed on the financial aid application.
  • Select the parent who will electronically sign the document. (Note: If two parents are listed, only the selected parent will have signing access.)

The chosen parent will receive an email notification with instructions to sign the document. If they haven’t already, they must create an account.

The parent can then review and electronically sign the document through their account.

Important: If the parent finds any inaccuracies in the document, they must inform the student. The student must update the information and resend the signature request.

Q: What if my Parent does not have an SSN?

If you submitted a FAFSA

At least one parent must have a valid SSN for both the parent and student to e-sign. If the parent does not have a valid SSN, they will not be able to electronically sign, and neither will the student.

The student will instead click “Opt out of E-sign,” which will allow them to download and print the document so that both the student and parent can provide signatures. Once the document has been signed, the student will upload it through the Verification Document platform.

If you submitted a CADAA

If the parent does not have a valid SSN, they can provide all zeros for their SSN and create an account, as long as they can provide all of the required information. The information must match the information submitted on the CADAA application.

Q: Why am I getting an error code?
  • Error Code 1010: This error indicates that you are entering information into the confirmation section (First Name, Last Name, DOB, & SSN) that does not match what is on the FAFSA or CA Dream Application. Students who have NOT completed a FAFSA or Dream Application will also receive this message.
  • Error Code 1005: You are unable to create an account in Verification Documents if there is a social security administration mismatch on your FAFSA application. You will need to correct this issue with FAFSA.

For the Financial Aid Office to move forward with your file, all documents/items requested by the Financial Aid Office must be in a “Received” status. After all the items say “Received,” you should allow 4-6 weeks for processing.

Financial Aid Awards

Q: How do I apply for financial aid?

The first step is to submit your Federal Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) or Dream Act Application and apply for admission to your degree program.

Q: Why are there no financial aid offers in my Student Center?

You may have outstanding tasks to complete on your To-Do list, or your file may still be under review. Please check your Student Center > To-Do List and Holds for details and instructions.

Documents marked as ‘Received’ mean they have been submitted but not yet reviewed or processed, so your file remains under review. Be sure to monitor both your student email and Student Center regularly for updates from the Financial Aid Office.

Note: New students typically receive their award notifications in June. Continuing students are typically awarded after spring grade review, around the beginning of July. Be sure to act on any Holds or To-Dos ahead of time. Always check your My Sac State account and student email regularly.

Q: How do I access my financial aid offer?

You will receive an award notification in your student email after your financial aid application has been received and all required documents have been processed. This will occur four to six weeks after all requested documents have been received in the Financial Aid Office.

Once you are notified of your financial aid offers, you can review and accept or decline them through your Student Center > Finances Section > Accept/Decline Award link.

  • Grants and scholarships will already appear as ‘accepted’ on your award letter.
  • Direct loans are borrowed funds and require you to take action— they will not be automatically accepted.

Your offers for the academic year will be available in your Student Center under the Accept/Decline Award link. To view a semester-by-semester breakdown of your awards, use the ‘View Financial Aid’ link.

Note: New students are typically awarded in June. Continuing students are typically awarded after the spring grade review in July.

Q: How do I accept/decline my financial aid offers?

Once you are notified of your financial aid offers, you should have access to accept/decline the offers on your Student Center > Finances Section > Accept/Decline award link. If awarded grants and/or scholarships, they will already reflect “accepted” on your award letter.

Remember, loans are borrowed funds and will require you to take action. They will not be automatically accepted on your behalf.

Q: I submitted the CCE information request form but I have changed the classes that I will enroll in. How do I notify the Financial Aid Office of this change?

Financial aid is offered based on the CCE information request form submitted to the Financial Aid Office. Any time you make a change to your enrollment from the previously submitted CCE information request form, you will need to notify the Financial Aid Office in one of two ways: 

  • Submit a revised CCE information request form. The form can be found on the Financial Aid Office website.
  • Update the units on your Student Center when you click the “Accept/Decline” awards link and be registered in the same number of units 

Enrollment is reviewed again at Census for the semester and if enrollment differs then what your financial aid is based on, an adjustment would be made at that time. 

Revised award notifications for change in units are processed within three (3) weeks once the Financial Aid Office is notified through a revised CCE information request form, updated units on your Student Center, or after the Census for the semester. 

Q: Am I required to be full-time to qualify for aid?

No, the minimum eligibility is part-time (6 units undergrad/ 4 units post-baccalaureate). Please note that your award amounts will adjust to match the part-time enrollment.

Q: How do I reinstate or increase my loan offer?

Use the current Change in Aid e-form located on the Financial Aid Offices’ Forms page. Select the e-form that is applicable to the current aid year. Allow up to three (3) weeks for processing upon submission.

Direct Loan Requirements

For student borrowers: Complete federal student loan requirements such as Entrance Counseling, Master Promissory Note, and Exit Counseling.

For parent PLUS borrowers: Complete their federal PLUS loan requirements, such as Applying for the PLUS Loan, Master Promissory Note, and more.

Enroll in classes by Census

Be sure to enroll in all classes for the semester by Census!

Eligibility for financial aid is determined based on your enrolled units as of the Census date. Census is the point at which the University finalizes and locks your enrollment for the semester. Any courses added after the Census will not be considered when determining your aid eligibility for that semester. You can find the Census dates for the Fall and Spring semesters on the Academic Calendar.

Financial aid is initially offered based on the information you submit through the CCE information request form. At Census, your enrollment is reviewed, and if it differs from what was previously submitted on the form, your financial aid will be adjusted accordingly. If your enrollment changes, you must notify the Financial Aid Office in one of two ways:

  • Submit a revised CCE information request form
  • Update your units in your Student Center under the “Accept/Decline” awards link and ensure you are registered for the same number of units.

Financial Aid Holds

You can review more information about holds by clicking the “details” link under the Holds section. This information will display which department placed the hold and if there is any action required from you. Financial aid holds are semester-specific and do not prevent registration in classes. 

Common financial aid holds you may see on your file may include:

  • Financial Aid Hold – Pending CCE Enrollment Verification

    • This hold is placed automatically and will remain until all of your classes for the semester have begun.
    • No action is required from you — the hold will be cleared once all of your classes have started for the semester, and is verified based on your schedule.

  • Financial Aid Disbursement Minimum indicator 

    • This hold means you have been offered financial aid but are not enrolled in the minimum number of units required for disbursement.
    • Action required — once you enroll in the required units, the hold will be removed within 48 hours.
  • Hold Middle-Class Scholarship
    • ​The hold placed by the Financial Aid Office is for the Middle-Class Scholarship and is listed on all Sac State students who have been awarded the Middle-Class Scholarship.

Final enrollment verification is provided to the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) at Census when the University locks enrollment. Once all of your classes have started for the semester, the award will be disbursed.

  • FA File Incomplete

    • ​​This hold is related to your To-Do List in your Student Center.
    • Check your To-Do List to confirm all required documents have been submitted:
      • Items marked “Received” mean no further action is needed; your documents are in the queue for review.
      • Items marked “Initiated” mean the documents have not yet been received — please submit them as soon as possible.

Note: Documents will remain on your To-Do list in Received status until reviewed and processed. Documents are reviewed in the order received. Current processing time is approximately four to six weeks. Once processed, the document will no longer be visible on your To-Do list and the FA file’s incomplete hold will be removed from your file.

  • Unit Mismatch

    • This hold is related to units listed on the CCE information request form not matching the units in which you are currently enrolled.
    • Notify the Financial Aid Office of changes in enrollment in one of two ways:
      • Submit a revised CCE Information Request Form (available on our website), OR
      • Update your units through the “Accept/Decline Awards” link in your Student Center and make sure you are enrolled in the same number of units you accepted.

The Financial Aid Office reviews enrollment updates within three weeks of receiving your notification.

Disbursement and Refund

Q: When will I receive my financial aid disbursement?

Students enrolled in programs through the College of Continuing Education (CCE) have financial aid disbursed based on when they begin attending certain enrollment for each type of financial aid (grants vs loans). 

Since classes begin at different times throughout the semester rather than all at the beginning of the semester, each student’s disbursement is dependent on when they reach the required minimum units.

  • Direct loans can be disbursed once enrolled and in attendance for at least half-time (4 units graduate, 6 units undergraduate) for the semester.
  • Grants will disburse once enrolled and attending ALL classes or at least twelve (12) units for the semester.

At the time you reach the minimum attendance for the semester, your financial aid will disburse to your account; there is nothing you need to do. For more details on disbursements and refund processes, please visit our website.

Q: How do disbursements and refunds work?

Disbursement is the process by which the Financial Aid & Scholarships Office authorizes payment of aid. Not all aid programs may be available for full disbursement at one time, and as a result, you may receive multiple disbursements of aid. 

After the Financial Aid & Scholarships Office disburses your aid, the Bursar’s Office then begins the application of your aid to any debt and if applicable, the refund process.

Refund is the process of any remaining funds after the Bursar’s Office has applied your disbursed aid to your university debt. If you have remaining financial funds after the debt has been satisfied for the semester, the Bursar’s Office will process the remaining funds as a refund.

Q: How will I receive my financial aid refund?

Any excess aid after all school fees are paid will be issued to the student. There are two refund methods offered:

  • Paper-check (default method) occurs within five to seven days of the posted disbursement date to the current address on file. Take into consideration additional mailing time.

    • Parent PLUS loan refunds are issued via a paper check to the parent borrower; direct deposit is not offered.
  • Direct deposit occurs within two to three business days from the posted transaction date. The student must be signed up for eRefund to receive a direct deposit.
Q: How do I know if my financial aid disbursement occurred?

Log in to your Account Activity page located on the Student Center > Finances section to identify if a disbursement occurred and/or if a refund is issued. 

It is your responsibility to submit all requested financial aid documents and clear any disbursement holds to ensure the timely disbursement of aid. 

  1. To confirm if a disbursement occurred, identify the financial Aid programs (i.e., Federal Pell Grant, Cal Grant, etc.) transaction item(s) and amounts listed line-by-line.
  2. To confirm if a refund is issued, identify the transaction item that states “Financial Aid Refunds” with the listed amount for the applicable semester. From the “Posted Date,” you can determine when you will receive financial Aid based on your refund method.
Q: What can I use my financial aid refund for?

Financial aid is a resource to assist with educational expenses, which include but are not limited to books, supplies, food, housing, transportation, etc. The school does not require receipts for proof of purchases.

Q: My financial aid did not cover all the charges on my student account.

If your financial aid does not cover the total charges on your account, you will be responsible for the remaining balance. You are encouraged to work with Enrollment Services and Credit Registration (ESCR) for payment options at ccecreditreg@csus.edu.

To discuss your financial aid options, connect with CCE financial aid at ccefinancialaid@csus.edu. Be sure to include your Student ID.

Financial Aid for the Summer semester

The following conditions apply for summer aid:

  • Must be a current student (new students starting fall 2026 are not eligible)
  • Must have a 2025-2026 FAFSA completed
  • Must meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
  • Must be enrolled in at least six (6) units for undergraduate or four (4) units for graduate

Awards for summer are based on remaining financial aid eligibility not used in the prior fall 2025 and/or spring 2026 semesters at any college. To qualify for most types of aid, you must be enrolled at least half-time (6 units undergraduate, 4 units graduate)

The Financial Aid & Scholarships department must first determine whether students are meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) after the end of the spring semester. This occurs after final grades and end-of-term processes are complete. To get an idea of what financial aid you may qualify for, you can always view your Student Aid Report by logging in to studentaid.gov. 

View our FAQs for Summer on our website. 

Winter Intersession

Financial Aid will not cover Winter Intersession classes, as this term does not meet the minimum federal definition for a term for financial aid purposes to allow for a disbursement of aid.  

Appeals

All information for appeals can be found on the Financial Aid Office website. You can find the form to submit an appeal on the Financial Aid Office forms page.

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) is the academic standards that must be met and maintained by all students who apply for financial aid. Students are measured by three criteria and all three criteria must be met to maintain financial aid.

  1. Overall Degree Progress
  2. Minimum Cumulative GPA
  3. Satisfactory Pace Standard

At Sacramento State, we measure SAP for all students on an annual basis. This is typically completed in early June after spring grades are posted and all students’ academic records are updated for the academic year. Students who do not meet the three criteria measured may submit an appeal for reconsideration of aid.

Q: What if I do not meet SAP?

If you do not meet SAP, you are ineligible to receive financial aid (i.e., federal/state funds, including student loans). If you are eligible to file an appeal, it will be listed on your To-Do List.

Q: What is an SAP appeal?

A SAP appeal is composed of two parts: (1) an online appeal, and (2) documents to support your reason(s). In some cases, students may have to submit an academic plan (if instructed). The appeal gives students the opportunity for aid reconsideration. If eligible to file, it will be listed on your Student Center > To-Do List in “initiated” status.

Note: The SAP appeal is not mandatory and there is no impact on registration or enrollment status if a student chooses not to file.

Q: How do I file a SAP appeal?

If eligible, a link to the SAP Appeal will appear on your Student Center > To-Do List in late June (after your SAP status is determined). The appeal will be an electronic form with specific questions for you to address. Documents to support your answers should be uploaded through your Student Center for a complete appeal.

Review the SAP Appeal Checklist PDF to learn how to submit a complete appeal.

Q: What should I include in my SAP appeal?

SAP Over Unit Disqualification: You did not pass SAP due to attempting coursework that is more than 150% of the minimum units required for a degree program.

A complete Over Unit SAP Appeal must include: The SAP Appeal, SAP Appeal documentation, and an Official Academic Plan. Your appeal should explain all coursework attempted that does not apply to your current degree program.

SAP GPA (Grade Point Average): You did not pass SAP based on cumulative GPA (Undergrad, 2.0 GPA/ Post-bacc, 3.0 GPA).

A complete GPA SAP Appeal must include the SAP Appeal and SAP Appeal documentation. Your appeal should explain coursework where earned grades affected the GPA per the university catalog.

Consider the following grades that affect GPA: “A” – “D,” “F,” “WU.” Grades with no effect on the GPA: “CR,” “NC,” “I,” “RP,” “W,” “RD.”

SAP Unit (Current Percentage Earned): You did not pass SAP based on not successfully completing 67% of units attempted in the previous academic year attended.

A complete Unit SAP Appeal must include the SAP Appeal and SAP Appeal documentation. Your appeal should explain coursework where non-passing grades affected 67% of completion.

Consider the following grades that are considered non-passing: “F,” “I,” “NC,” “W,” and “WU.”

Q: Do I need to provide supporting documentation for my SAP appeal?

Most extenuating circumstances should be documented. If you are unable to provide documentation, submit an additional signed statement to thoroughly address your situation and clarify why there are no supporting documents.

Q: What type of supporting documentation can I submit?

Supporting documentation should address the timeline of the incident and your involvement, which caused you not to meet the SAP standards. Suggested documents can include, but are not limited to, third-party letters from other person(s) or professionals who can attest to your extenuating circumstance should be submitted. Example: documentation supporting an auto accident.

Q: Why are there semesters that I did not receive aid counted against me?

Federal regulations require the review of all students the same for attempted and earned coursework during their degree progress, even during the periods where aid was not used, so determining aid eligibility will be equitable for all.

Q: My SAP appeal was approved for fall, but what about spring?

If your appeal was approved in the fall semester, you will be placed on SAP Probation for that semester. To receive your spring financial aid, you must pass SAP Probation standards from coursework attempted in the fall.

Q: What happens if I had a SAP appeal approved in the fall, but I did not meet the fall SAP grade check?

If you fail the fall grade check, your spring aid will be canceled, and a hold will be placed on your account. If you are eligible for a secondary appeal, you will be notified through your My Sac State.

Q: My SAP appeal was approved for fall, but I plan to attend in spring instead. Will I still get aid?

If your appeal was approved in the fall semester but you plan to attend in the spring instead (of the same academic year), inform the Financial Aid Office in writing using the current Change in Aid eform to have your awards adjusted.

Q: What is the deadline to submit a SAP appeal?

This link provides a list of financial aid dates and deadlines for Sac State.

  • Fall 2025 appeal/document deadline: Nov. 14, 2025
  • Spring 2026 appeal/document deadline: April 24, 2026

Refer to the complete list of SAP FAQ’s for details. Watch the Satisfactory Academic Progress | What is SAP? How to Appeal video to learn more!

Consortium Agreement

The Consortium Agreement allows undergraduate students to consider courses taken at a school other than Sac State and have those courses count toward the degree at the home school. Units enrolled at another school and approved under the Consortium Agreement will be combined with the units at the home campus (Sac State) for consideration of federal aid programs.

General Requirements

Consortium agreements are available on a semester-by-semester basis (Summer and Winter Sessions excluded). Courses taken at another institution must apply toward your degree at Sacramento State. Eligibility criteria for a consortium agreement at Sac State are as follows:   

  • A completed financial aid file
  • Must be enrolled in at least half-time at Sacramento State (waitlist not counted)   
  • Coursework must be degree-applicable and transferable   
  • Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards   

Visit the Financial Aid Office website to learn more about Consortium Agreements.

What is the deadline to submit a Consortium Agreement?

This link provides a list of financial aid dates and deadlines for Sac State.

  • Fall 2025 appeal/document deadline: Sept. 26, 2025
  • Spring 2026 appeal/document deadline: Feb. 27, 2026

Loss of Income

The initial review of the 2025-26 financial aid application is based on the 2023 tax year (the required tax year to be reported). If there is a change in the income year 2024 or 2025, the student may submit the Loss of Income appeal starting in July. 

The outcome of the appeal may or may not change your financial aid eligibility. You MUST determine how to cover your expenses (i.e., tuition, housing, books, etc.) regardless of your intent to submit an appeal or wait for the results. Processing time is about six (6) weeks, and students will be notified of the results of their appeal to their CSUS email.

General Requirements

The student must be meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress standards (SAP) and will need to submit the Loss of Income appeal for 2025-26, along with third-party documentation that will verify the appeal reason.

Note: If you and/or your family’s Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is currently $0, then there is no need to file an appeal as you already qualified for the maximum need-based aid.

Visit the Financial Aid Office website for more information on submitting a Loss of Income Appeal.

What is the deadline to submit a Loss of Income appeal?

This link provides a list of financial aid dates and deadlines for Sac State.

  • Fall 2025 appeal/document deadline: Nov. 7, 2025
  • Academic Year/Spring 2026 appeal/document deadline: March 13, 2026

Withdrawing from a Course

Withdrawing from courses after the first day of instruction may cause students to incur partial fees and/or to repay certain types of financial aid. Click here to view how withdrawing impacts Financial Aid. 

Repeating or Withdrawing

Federal Aid may be awarded to a student once for a previously passed course (i.e., one per class). Passing grades are: “A”, “B”, “C”, “D” and all associated with “+” or “-” as well as a grade of “CR” (Credit). If you receive a passing grade and then enroll in the class a third time, those units will not be eligible for financial aid.

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